Reuben Edwin "Ed" Joynson Jr., 81, of Glen Eddy Drive, Niskayuna, passed away March 21, 2008 at Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home.

Ed was born in Winfield, Kan. on Dec. 27, 1926, son of Reuben and Opal Hite Joynson. He graduated Great Bend High School, Kansas, and entered the Navy, where he served in aviation electronics. He received a BS from Kansas State University in 1949, his MS in 1950.

Ed received his Ph.D. in physics/mathematics from M.I.T. in 1954. Dr. Joynson began his professional career with the Research & Development Center of Continental Oil Company, Ponca City, Okla. He was concerned with applications of electromagnetism to geophysical exploration and with novel forms of seismic exploration.

He joined GE at the Computer Laboratory, Palo Alto, Calif. in 1960 as a solid state physicist to work on computer applications of superconductivity. This work was continued at the GE Research and Development Center when he transferred in 1963. It included thin film vacuum deposition of cryogenic materials, circuit design, and testing of cryotron devices and arrays. Dr. Joynson holds numerous patents from his work and has written many company reports on cryotron and MOS fabrication.

He was a member of the American Physical Society, the Association for the Advancement of Science and Sigma Xi.

Ed married the former Catherine Wilson on Dec. 18, 1965. They lived in Alplaus for over 30 years prior to moving to Glen Eddy in 2001. They were founding members of the Glen Eddy Community. He was a life member of the Alplaus Fire Company, the Mohawk Soaring Club and former member of the Albany Curling Club. Ed enjoyed taking to the sky in his hang glider over the Saratoga Region.

Besides his parents, Ed was predeceased by his son, Phillip Joynson.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Catherine Joynson of Niskayuna; his children Sarah (Fred) Callbeck and their daughter, Rebecca; Marilyn (Russell) Carr and their son, Peter Johnston (Kathy) and their daughter, Kylie; Carol Joynson, Alan (Grace) Joynson and their daughter, Andrea and David (Lana) Joynson and their daughters, Katrina and Victoria.

Interment with honors will be held at a future date at the Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ed Joynson's name, to the Grace Lutheran Church, 1930 Hillside Ave., Schenectady, N.Y. 12309.

Arrangements are by Glenville Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the Joynson Family at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.